Grown In Serbia, Vinted In Maryland, Winner at Indy Int’l

At the recent 2014 Indy International Wine Competition a wine called “Russian Kiss” from Big Cork Vineyards in Maryland won Best of Class in the White Vinifera Blend category. Indy International is known for showcasing new and exciting wines, but bestowing such an honor on a wine made from experimental Eastern European grapes is highly unusual. (That four judges selected “Russian Kiss” as their “Wine of the Year” is even more remarkable.)

Russian Kiss is a blend of Muscat Canelli and two little known grapes called “XIV” and “SK 77.” According to Big Cork’s general manager Heather Tapper, “Two years ago, our winemaker Dave Collins tasted some experimental wines from several unnamed Russian grape varietals. The uniqueness of the Russian grapes led us to the conclusion that they are truly a special discovery in the viticulture world.” She said that the winery located “the only commercial vineyard growing these varietals” in the country, and immediately contracted grapes from them.